As this nation grapples with the terror of
Boko Haram we risk ignoring a danger more serious and more existential;
the collapse of our educational system, There is little doubt that the
21st century will depend on educated human beings and our failure to
educate our kids will undermine our peace, prosperity and internal
security. Already we are witnessing the effects of this neglect on the
fortunes of our nation's security and its' economic prosperity. Schools
are not improving and life-long learning opportunities are not being
provided. It is time to sit up.
The news emanating from the North East, especially Borno and Yobe, may be heart-warming. We get the impression that things are improving for the better. All the signs are positive and we cannot praise the security agencies enough. Clearly, the change in tactics from the overly aggressive, purely militaristic one which antagonises and punishes whole communities collectively, to one where precise military might is combined with community involvement has helped to turn the tide against terror and hopelessness. Life is gradually returning to normal and Boko Haram is, if not on the run, at least appears severely weakened.
The so-called "civilian JTF" was the first manifestation of the determination of the citizens to contribute to the fight against terror and take back their lives. Last two weeks brought the best news of all; schools in Yobe State are reopening even though under very tight security. These had been closed following terror attacks on their structures, teachers and pupils over the last year or so. It is my firm belief that we are turning back from the very dangerous precipice we got to, and hopefully we would soon defeat the forces of destruction, death and despair. At least this time around.
However, after defeating this current insurgency what guarantees are there that another group would not emerge to again terrorise this nation and test the fragility of its very existence? What are the current and emerging threats to our nation's security that we must start addressing to avoid future recurrences? How do we make sure the low-level insurgencies of the Niger-Delta of MEND and similar groups do not metamorphose into more serious threats in future, especially given the sabre rattling we are witnessing from the "Jonathan-or- disintegration" forces around Edwin Clark and his co-travellers?
To address these issues we may need to revisit the very concept of national security enshrine in our laws. As things stand, we define national security so narrowly that we risk ignoring new emerging threats that could spell doom for our very survival as a nation.
The news emanating from the North East, especially Borno and Yobe, may be heart-warming. We get the impression that things are improving for the better. All the signs are positive and we cannot praise the security agencies enough. Clearly, the change in tactics from the overly aggressive, purely militaristic one which antagonises and punishes whole communities collectively, to one where precise military might is combined with community involvement has helped to turn the tide against terror and hopelessness. Life is gradually returning to normal and Boko Haram is, if not on the run, at least appears severely weakened.
The so-called "civilian JTF" was the first manifestation of the determination of the citizens to contribute to the fight against terror and take back their lives. Last two weeks brought the best news of all; schools in Yobe State are reopening even though under very tight security. These had been closed following terror attacks on their structures, teachers and pupils over the last year or so. It is my firm belief that we are turning back from the very dangerous precipice we got to, and hopefully we would soon defeat the forces of destruction, death and despair. At least this time around.
However, after defeating this current insurgency what guarantees are there that another group would not emerge to again terrorise this nation and test the fragility of its very existence? What are the current and emerging threats to our nation's security that we must start addressing to avoid future recurrences? How do we make sure the low-level insurgencies of the Niger-Delta of MEND and similar groups do not metamorphose into more serious threats in future, especially given the sabre rattling we are witnessing from the "Jonathan-or- disintegration" forces around Edwin Clark and his co-travellers?
To address these issues we may need to revisit the very concept of national security enshrine in our laws. As things stand, we define national security so narrowly that we risk ignoring new emerging threats that could spell doom for our very survival as a nation.
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